SIL has set a wedding date...

and it's one of the most awkward dates possible! I know it's her wedding and she can do what she wishes but I am so annoyed. It's a Sunday during term time in Italy. I'm a teacher so if I go it will be a case of having to return on the Sunday evening as I'll be in work on the Monday. So unless she has the service early in the morning we'll probably miss the reception part. I've just checked flights and were looking at about £150 each, not including travel to London and travel at the other side. I can't believe she couldn't even put it on the saturday which would have made it slightly easier.

Originally she was getting married in July so we had planned to change our original summer holiday (which was going to be a cheep camping trip in the UK) and explore Italy a little. £150 each seems ok for a two week holiday but for 24hours it seems ridiculous.

H is annoyed about it too, but I'm trying hard not to be critical of her in front of him so I'm not mentioning it, just needed to vent on here a little. Gah! I've suggested he go on his own but he doesn't want to, but it may come to that.

Hmm this is annoying. Would you not get a day off because it is a family wedding?? MrGillsy is a teacher and he can get time off for a family wedding, wouldn't get it for his own but if its somebody else's he can get some. Worth asking????

Also the cost of flights is just sickening tbh. Not too much I can say to make you feel better about that unfortunately. Hope you get something sorted.

I'd ask school sooner rather than later if you could have the day off or if not the day the morning. The flights will be cheaper on a Monday. If your SIL has booked the venue then I'd also ask her what time everything is and let her know it is so you know what flights you might need to get back for school. She won't change the date but it is reasonable you know the logistics-you won't be the only one who wants to get cheap flights. Where in Italy is it? Could you afford to go Friday evening/early Saturday and see a bit of the local area on the Saturday.

Ps my sister got married in a civil ceremony in Italy and it wasn't legally binding because the venue was unregistered so they also had a small ceremony in the licensed town hall in the morning which only close family went to. Might be worth seeing if she has to do something similar and go to that so you see a bit more

It's not really a case of considering taking unpaid leave, more that it won't be granted. My school doesn't allow time off for weddings - they don't like teaching staff taking time off for anything. I'll ask tomorrow but it's unlikely it will be granted. And it definately will be unpaid - no chance of them agreeing to pay me as well! Wish I worked where your H does Gillsy!

We'll look into travelling on the friday eve, KK, and if not definately we will leave as early as possible on the saturday. I suspect though, that Saturday will be taken up with family stuff and looking after nephews, helping pick up guests etc - it will be expected we help out rather than do our own thing, which I understand, H will want to do whatever he can to help his sister on her wedding day. They are having a church wedding so I guess they won't need to go to the town hall like your sister KK.

Pandorasbox - I wouldn't feel comfortable about this. I hate lying, morally I would feel it is wrong and it would mean keeping quiet about the whole thing which I would find hard. Also, if I did get caught it could be an official warning which I don't think I'm prepared to risk. I'll just ask for leave and if not we'll have to work around it.